How to Treat Porphyria Skin Itching
Porphyria is actually a group of disorders caused by an excessive build-up of normal chemicals in your body. The type of porphyria you have depends on which chemical builds up; treatments for the different types of porphyria vary, and some types are more serious than others. The cutaneous porphyrias may cause skin symptoms, including itching.
Instructions
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Determine which type of porphyria you have, and if you have porphyria at all. The skin symptoms of porphyria may be caused by many other problems as well, so you should see a doctor to determine their cause. Different types of porphyria are also treated in different ways, so it is important to determine which chemical is building up in your body.
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Understand what triggers your symptoms. For example, sunlight can sometimes cause the itching associated with porphyria, or can make it worse. If you know what will make your symptoms worse, you can avoid these triggers as part of managing your illness.
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If you are prescribed medication, take it as directed. Depending on which type of porphyria you have, your doctor may prescribe medication for you.
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Consider other treatment options, if appropriate. In addition to medication, some forms of porphyria respond to high doses of beta carotene. Taking activated charcoal may help in some cases as well: the charcoal can sometimes absorb the excess chemicals in your body. Finally, phlebotomy (drawing blood) can help ease symptoms by reducing the amount of iron in your body. You should discuss these options with your doctor.
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